Legal Assistant (prior legal assistant experience required)

Job Title:

Legal Assistant About Us:

Olsman MacKenzie Peacock is a respected and client-focused law firm specializing in medical malpractice, auto and truck accident, and other plaintiff personal injury cases cases. With a commitment to providing exceptional legal representation and achieving justice for our clients, we take pride in our thorough approach and dedication to excellence.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Legal Assistant with a litigation background to join our team. This role will focus primarily on the settlement and resolution phase of plaintiff personal injury cases, while also providing comprehensive litigation support to attorneys. The ideal candidate will function as a settlement-focused legal assistant, taking a lead role in managing cases through the post-settlement process, including lien resolution, settlement documentation, and file closure. At the same time, this position remains an integral part of the litigation team, assisting with case management, drafting, and procedural compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for a legal assistant who enjoys both litigation work and the strategy, detail, and client impact involved in successfully closing cases and maximizing recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Interaction and Service. Deliver exceptional customer service with compassion and empathy by maintaining proactive communication with clients, gathering necessary information and documents, providing updates on case progress, addressing questions and concerns promptly, and ensuring a high level of client satisfaction throughout the legal process. Drafting and Proofreading. Assist attorneys in drafting and proofreading legal documents, including pleadings, summonses, motions, subpoenas, initial disclosures, discovery and discovery responses, witness / exhibit lists, case summaries, correspondence, and other litigation and trial documents, ensuring all content is accurate, clear, and compliant with legal standards and firm protocols before submission or distribution. Deadline Management. Monitor and manage deadlines for case filings, court appearances, and other critical tasks, ensuring all documents and actions are completed on time and in accordance with legal and procedural requirements to prevent delays and maintain case momentum. Multi-Tasking and Problem Solving. Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently, prioritize workload effectively, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment, ensuring all responsibilities are completed accurately and on time. Managing and Facilitating Effective Communication. Handle all incoming and outgoing mail, email, faxes, and phone calls promptly, ensuring accurate record-keeping. Coordinate with clients, attorneys, medical professionals, lienholders and court personnel to ensure clear, timely, and accurate exchange of information, addressing inquiries and resolving issues to support efficient case management and enhance client satisfaction. Scheduling and Coordination. Coordinate and schedule appointments, depositions, court appearances, and other meetings, ensuring all parties are informed and prepared, and managing any changes or conflicts promptly to maintain an organized and efficient workflow. Familiarity with Michigan Rules of Civil Procedure. Apply a comprehensive understanding of the Michigan Rules of Civil Procedure to ensure accurate preparation, filing, and management of legal documents and proceedings, and provide informed support to attorneys in adhering to procedural requirements. Case File Management and Litigation Support. Manage and maintain case files and databases, ensuring that all documents are meticulously organized, accurately updated, and easily accessible. Provide comprehensive support throughout the litigation process by organizing exhibits, assisting with evidence presentation, and ensuring all case-related documents and materials are properly managed and readily available to support attorneys during trial proceedings. Settlement and Case Resolution Management. Lead the post-settlement phase of cases, including preparing and filing motions to approve settlements and distributions, coordinating required notices to interested parties, and ensuring compliance with court procedures. Manage all aspects of file closure, including obtaining and organizing settlement documents, coordinating signatures, and ensuring timely disbursement of funds. Lien Identification, Negotiation, and Resolution. Identify all potential liens (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, ERISA, hospital, and private insurance liens), request and analyze lien statements, and actively negotiate reductions to maximize client recovery. Coordinate final lien resolution and ensure all obligations are satisfied prior to disbursement. Settlement Documentation and Disbursement. Prepare settlement statements, review releases for accuracy and compliance with agreed terms, coordinate execution of settlement documents, and assist with the proper allocation and disbursement of funds in accordance with firm protocols and legal requirements. Interviewing Potential New Clients. Conduct detailed interviews with potential new clients to gather essential information, assess case viability, and provide initial guidance, ensuring a clear understanding of their legal needs and establishing a professional rapport. Administrative Support. Perform general administrative tasks such as photocopying, faxing, filing, and managing office supplies, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of daily office activities and supporting overall team productivity. Other. Assist attorneys with other tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

Associate's degree or higher in Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of experience as a legal assistant. Strong knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and Michigan state laws. Proficiency in legal research tools and case management software. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. High level of professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Benefits:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan with employer match, and paid time off. Professional development opportunities. Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Job Type:

Full-time Experience:

Microsoft Outlook Calendar:

1 year (Required)

Microsoft Word:

1 year (Required) Legal administrative: 1 year (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Berkley, MI 48072 (Required)

Work Location:

This is an in-office position. We value collaboration, training, and in-person teamwork.

Job Type:

Full-time Experience:

legal assistant: 2 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Berkley, MI 48072 (Required)

Work Location:

In person